Abstract:ObjectiveTo explore better indicators to evaluate the severity and complication of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by analyzing the related indices of oxygen saturation.MethodsThe polysomography (PSG) data of 110 patients with OSAHS diagnosed in otorhinolaryngology clinic of our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. According to the apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) score, they were divided into three groups, i.e. mild group (AHI 5-15), moderate group(AHI >15-30) and severe group (AHI>30). The related indices of oxygen saturation were compared and analyzed among the three groups. In addition, all the patients were divided into groups with and without hypertension based on their blood pressure, and their related indices of oxygen saturation were also compared.ResultsThe differences among the three groups in the related indices of oxygen saturation including the lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2), the average oxygen saturation (ASaO2) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). The abovementioned indices were all closely related to AHI, with strongest intensity of correlation with AHI in ODI (r=0.879) followed by LSaO2 (r=0.613) and ASaO2 (r=0.525) in order. As for the complicated hypertension, the differences between the two groups in ASaO2 (P=0.035) and ODI (P=0.009) were both statistically significant while insignificant in LSaO2 (P=1.252).ConclusionsPerforming well in diagnostic screening and severity evaluation of OSAHS, ASaO2 and ODI can be used as supplements to LSaO2. Furthermore, ASaO2 and ODI can reflect the duration and frequency of oxygen desaturation events, which relates to the pathogenesis of hypertension complicated in OSAHS.